Kompany shrugs off the numbers as Bayern gear up for Gladbach

Kompany shrugs off the numbers as Bayern gear up for Gladbach

Vincent Kompany, Bayern Munich's head coach, spoke about the Bavarian team’s upcoming clash with Borussia Monchengladbach, scheduled for Saturday at Borussia-Park, as part of the Bundesliga’s eighth round.

Bayern Munich currently sit on top of the table with a perfect 21 points, having scored 27 goals and conceded 4.

By contrast, Monchengladbach sit at the bottom with 3 points after three draws and four defeats, having scored 6 and conceded 15.

Kompany opened the press conference by addressing the stark contrast in the table, saying that when they step onto the pitch, it won’t feel like a first versus last clash. The match carries a great deal of tradition, and he noted that he has stood at the bottom himself and knows what that feels like; motivation must be found, and focus must remain razor sharp.

The match carries a great deal of tradition, Kompany added; I have stood at the bottom myself and know what that feels like. You seek motivation, and we must keep our focus razor sharp.

Responding to Eugen Polanski's remark that Bayern are not doing anything special, Kompany suggested he saw the comment as positive and noted that players like Michael Olise, Luis Diaz and Harry Kane often receive the ball and try to create something, but defense is necessary against that. The key is to play Bayern's game and enjoy it, including against Gladbach.

On the goalkeeper decision, Kompany stated that Jonas Orbig will start tomorrow; usually he does not announce the starting XI, but goalkeepers vary a bit, and the plan was discussed clearly. The fact that Jonas will play in Cologne in the German Cup is also a factor, so clarity matters.

Manuel Neuer will travel with us to Gladbach; we want to give Jonas a chance before the Cologne match.

He spoke about the squad and the absence of Gnabry and Stanisic, saying that if Josip Stanisic and Serge Gnabry train normally, they will be in the squad.

On the prospect of extending the run to 13 straight wins, he said the target is three points tomorrow; statistics are not the priority; focus on the match.

Regarding Konrad Laimer, he highlighted his energy and passion as strong positives; Bayern has a lot of quality, but energy is also essential.

On Lennart Karl's World Cup chances, he mentioned he respects Julian Nagelsmann; his focus as coach is to help Lennart Karl succeed with us. Lennart must continue to work and show his potential. Playing for Bayern can be an advantage, but the focus must stay here; thinking too far ahead is not wise.

As a young player, you don’t carry that pressure; he should feel it too, and enjoy the moment; if mistakes happen, they will be discussed; pressure will come eventually, but he should enjoy the moment without pressure.

The Sporting Director

Max Eberl, Bayern's sporting director, stressed the danger of the Gladbach match, emphasizing the emotional and historic aspect of the rivalry. He noted that he knows the other side well; it’s always the defining game of the year and should be treated with full focus, as if facing the league runners-up.

He also expressed sympathy for Gladbach’s current position at the bottom of the table, saying he still holds the club in his heart and follows their situation closely. He hopes they start accumulating points from Sunday onward.

On Bayern’s academy, Eberl said the club bets on its young talents and wants to see players prove themselves. He also noted the summer plan to give opportunities to youngsters Wissdom Mike, Lennart Karl, and Cassiano Kiala. Lennart delivered a very good display against Bruges but must keep fighting for his place.

He stressed that Bayern relies on the academy that has produced solid results, with many youths training with the first team regularly. They want more, but progress comes from hard work rather than wishful thinking.

It’s noted that Bayern will face Cologne in the German Cup next Wednesday, before welcoming Leverkusen to Munich in a top Bundesliga clash on Saturday, November 1.

Punchline 1: Bayern's defense is so tight that even the jokes go offside. Punchline 2: Gladbach parked the bus so well that the parking attendant filed a ticket for obstruction.